Location: Bishkek and Osh cities, Alai and Chon-Alai districts Assignment periods: February 14, 2023–December 29,2023 Objects: support BWA and its’ branch in Chon-Alai in achieving sustainability and financial freedom as institutions through building strong and sustainable sales channels in international and domestic markets, and by improving internal business processes of the organizations. Tasks: Institutional development 1. Institutional development of PU BWA and its’ branch in Chon-Alai by: empowering established institutional structures: leadership, organizational structure, financial reporting; improving internal sales processes and nurturing sales professionals; optimization of product development and production process: comparative analysis, quality control, inventory management, communication and productivity; internal processes: networking, time management, new internal PU rules, working with information, receiving orders, etc.; financial management: managing cash flows and increasing profit margins; formalization of processes and updating of necessary organizational documents; improve human resource management by attracting new active artisans who influence the growth of production capacity; establishing self-learning processes; coordination of the development of new collections. The indicator is financial stability and profitability (above the break-even point); profit margins have been increased to 20% (the current average value is 8-12%); production capacity has been increased by 2 times. 2. Involvement of an organizational psychologist to work with internal conflicts, development of unity and motivation of artisans. The indicator – reduction of internal conflicts, reduction of staff turnover by 2 times. 3. Support PU BWA and its’ branch in Chon-Alai in the introduction of a Supervisory Board, which will provide strategic recommendations to the Executive Body of the organization. Marketing development 4. Development of wholesale sales by expanding and supporting domestic sales, as well as supporting the attraction of a wholesale foreign partner of the brand with love By Alay. The indicator is 2 times increase in sales, attracting new partners. 5. Organization of technical support of the website www.byalay.com (11 months), SEO optimization, online store development. 6. Advise artisans in improving the assortment for eBay and Wildberries, conduct the necessary analytics, increase sales of products of the brand with love By Alay, promote the brand with love By Alay on these marketplaces. The indicator – covering 50% of the permanent expenses of artisans. 7. Develop a professional catalog and brochure for B2B, develop storytelling for products with love By Alay. 8. Organize a professional photo shoot and create video content. Support in attracting grants 9. Support PU BWA and its’ branch in Chon-Alai in applying for grants to receive funding for the necessary equipment, building a workshop, etc. General tasks 10. Provide detailed descriptive report no later than December 22, 2023. Application Procedure Applicants must send the following documents by email to begaiym.mamatova@helvetas.org and aselia.bakirova@helvetas.org no later than 17.00 February 14, 2023. List of necessary documents for submission: Certificate of registration of a legal entity or a private entrepreneur; Letter of interest describing the experience of conducting similar tasks; CV of the main executors, with experience in performing similar tasks; Commercial offer indicating the cost of the work (budget), including all costs associated with the implementation of the above tasks and the work plan (fees, logistics, necessary materials, etc.) Requirements to potential supplier: Educational and practical experience in the institutional and marketing development of organizations with a turnover of at least 3-4 million KGS per year and their business processes; Knowledge and experience of business and organization management in the handicraft sector; Experience of at least 3 years in this field and on these issues; The presence of a patent or a certificate of registration of an individual entrepreneur, an insurance policy or another type of legal registration (LLC, etc.) of the applicant; Diplomas, certificates proving the competence of the candidate; Experience working with local non-governmental organizations, international organizations (at least 3 years); Good knowledge of the target region and the local population; Fluency in Kyrgyz, Russian, English, including verbal and written communication skills are a significant advantage. If you have any questions, please contact begaiym.mamatova@helvetas.org, tel. +996 (550) 45-25-71 Terms of Reference
Kyrgyzstan’s tourism offerings are largely built around the country’s natural attractions – mountains, rivers, glaciers and lakes. The private and public sector have put in a lot of effort in recent years to mark the country on the world tourism map and attract more visitors to Kyrgyzstan. But achieving these goals carries risks. With increasing flows of tourists, growing investment and little or no consideration of sustainability, the country may face land degradation, water and soil pollution and other challenges that pose a threat to its fragile ecosystems. The European Union-funded SWITCH-Asia program launched the Greentour project in 2020 to support the development of an inclusive and sustainable tourism model. Greentour, which is implemented by Helvetas, recognizes the critical linkages tourism creates across sectors, and tourism’s potential to be a powerful economic driver for Kyrgyzstan. Greentour plays an essential role in educating and capacitating tour operators and other stakeholders in the sector (e.g., destination management organizations, central government and regional municipal staff involved in tourism) on the topic of sustainability management. The project also coaches and supports tour operators in attaining coveted credentials that can elevate their business, such as the Global Sustainable Tourism Council-recognized Travelife certification. Greentour also works with the tour operators’ suppliers (hotels, guides, excursion providers, producers of food and handicrafts) to train and motivate them for integration of sustainability principles in their operations and services. Navigating the pandemic The Greentour project’s launch coincided with the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic that brought unprecedented global health and economic challenges. The government of the Kyrgyz Republic announced a state of emergency on March 17, 2020, following identification of the first COVID-19 cases in the country. Borders, enterprises and educational institutions were closed for a strict lockdown. This public health crisis greatly affected the implementation of the Greentour project’s efforts to increase and professionalize tourism – one of the sectors hit hardest by the pandemic. But despite the challenges posed by COVID-19 restrictions, the project made adaptations where possible, avoiding a full shutdown of operations. In 2020, sustainability trainings for tour operators and suppliers were conducted online. When restrictions were lifted, project activities resumed in person. To date, more than 800 representatives of the tourism sector have been trained in sustainability principles and aspects through online and offline activities. Twenty-one tour operators have been awarded Travelife Partner status – a certification that confirms their commitment to sustainability and integration of sustainable tourism practices in their offerings and operations. Putting sustainability into practice Greentour’s training and coaching interventions led tour operators to create new policies and practices that are laying the foundation for Kyrgyzstan’s longevity as a green destination for tourists. Companies’ efforts to embed sustainability into their workplaces and tours include: Replacing disposable cutlery and utensils with metal reusable options. This reduced one company’s single use of plastic by 90%. All company vehicles run on liquid petroleum gas. Calculating the CO2 emissions caused by tours. Creating a policy that limits animals’ consecutive working hours and commits to selecting responsible suppliers. Informing all suppliers and business partners about sustainability policies, while proactively encouraging them to pursue sustainability certification. Involving staff in the creation of a sustainability policy and providing professional development opportunities on sustainable tourism. Incorporating human rights and child safety standards into supplier contracts. Striving for 100% of tour workers (drivers, guides, porters, vendors) to be locals. Guide and porter policies that ensure fair pay and decent working conditions. Developing authentic cultural tours that support local businesses, including dinners or lunches with local families. An award-winning project In 2021, the Greentour project received an award from the Kyrgyz association of tour operators as the best development project in tourism, voted on by the association members. In 2022, together with the Swiss Bai Alay Project of Helvetas, the Greentour project supported the Alay region in submitting a good practice story for the 2022 Green Destinations Top 100 Stories. The story highlighted the integration of Alay women artisans into Kyrgyzstan’s tourism value chain, resulting in new employment opportunities and additional income in a remote, mountainous area of the country. The addition of these artisans to the sector preserves traditional handicrafts, ensures gender-inclusive employment, and shares cultural insights with tourists – all while supporting the region in its approach to sustainable development. The submission resulted in Alay winning a place among the Top 100 Stories. This was the first region in Central Asia to get this award! Entering the competition requires compliance with 15 basic sustainability criteria. In preparation, the Greentour project conducted trainings in sustainable destination management for the Alay tourism sector, undertook a review of existing data and research on sustainability criteria, and implemented a tourism impact assessment for the region. Greentour also supported the region in updating its tourism development strategy to align with these goals and indicators. These interventions resulted in successful compliance with the required sustainability criteria checklists. Standing out in a competitive tourism market The award marked Kyrgyzstan on the world green destinations map and made Alai tourism stakeholders strive for more achievements in the sustainability path. The award provides a new promotional opportunity for the region of Alai, and the providers of tourism services have also started using the TOP 100 award logo alongside the Booking.com and Tripadvisor badges in their facilities and on the websites. Greentour will continue working with project partners on achieving the sustainability targets and promoting the country as a place for responsible travel. The tour operators and their suppliers will continue to be supported with capacity building in product development, design and promotion. The tour operators who progress most in the certification process will have the opportunity to attend the world’s largest tourism fair – ITB Berlin in March 2023 – where together with partners, Greentour will support the representation of Kyrgyzstan as a destination committed to sustainable tourism development. In the project’s fourth and final year, Greentour will help hotels, guest houses and yurt camps to get the Good Travel Seal certification – thereby making them more competitive in the tourism market, and further contributing to socially and environmentally responsible development of the sector.
Assignment: Train local trainers on GALS methodology and coordinate conduction of GALS by local trainers among beneficiaries of Bai Alai programme. Location: Osh city, Alai and Chon-Alai districts Assignment periods: February 03,2023–December 29,2023 Objects: In order to outreach and train more beneficiaries on GALS methodology, 25 local trainers from Alai and Chon-Alai districts were selected. They were trained on GALS tools (Dream, Journey to Dream, Happy Family Tree, Profitability Tree). Hired consultant will monitor GALS trainings conducted by local trainers and conduct ToT on the fifth tool of GALS methodology - Happy Family Diamond, and organize/conduct final conference of local trainers upon completion of tasks. Tasks: Consultant must conduct 2 monitoring visits to analyze and assess the progress of GALS trainings conduction by thelocal trainers in Alai and Chon-Alai districts; Consultant will train local trainers to the fifth tool of GALS methodology - Happy Family Diamond; Consultant must compile a database of trainees/participants of GALS trainings conducted by local trainers; Consultant must provide final written report upon completion of the contract. The report must include progress, analysis of results of GALS trainings conducted by local trainers, as well as specific recommendations on further promotion of GALS trainings by local trainers. Consultant must inform donors and participants about the program and dates of planned activities a month in advance;The consultant must organize and conduct final conference for local trainers on the results of their work. Prepare and approve conference program and list of conference participants; Consultant will monitor the work of all local trainers after the completion of the contract during 3 months period. Expected results: Local trainers are trained for GALS tool (Happy Family Diamond). Database of GALS training participants has been compiled and submitted to the Client. Local trainers have trained 450 up to 500 people on GALS tools. Final conference is held to conclude the work of local trainers. Application Procedure Applicants must send the following documents by email to begaiym.mamatova@helvetas.org and aselia.bakirova@helvetas.org no later than 12.00pm February 01, 2023. List of necessary documents for submission: CV with experience in implementing of GALS training; A letter of interest describing experience of similar tasks implementation; Commercial proposal with an indication of the cost of work (budget) including all costs associated with implementation of the above tasks and work plan (fees, logistics, necessary materials, etc.) Requirements to potential supplier: Knowledge of GALS methodology; Experience of at least 3 years of development modules and conduction of GALS trainings; Experience in working with local non-governmental organizations, international organizations (at least 3 years); Availability of a patent or certificate of registration of individual entrepreneurs, insurance policy or another type of legal registration (LLC, etc.) of the applicant; Diploma, certificate proving competence of the candidate; High level of knowledge of approaches in conducting trainings on gender issues; Readiness to field work: Osh, Alai and Chon Alai regions; Knowledge written and spoken Kyrgyz and English languages. If you have any questions, please contact begaiym.mamatova@helvetas.org, tel. +996 (550) 45-25-71 Terms of Reference
Location(s): Alai, Chon Alai districts Assignment periods: 1 February - 30 November, 2023 Tasks: Develop optimization, improvement, and promotion plan of selected tour products and further implementation of the developed. Conducting trainings for service providers along selected itineraries to improve the quality of services provided and tourism infrastructure (kitchen, sanitary facilities). Research available viable solutions to improve the infrastructure of yurt camps and guest houses. Prepare and submit an updated budget for logistics according to the selected tour products. Full package of the tour products: product descriptions, tour maps, pricing for group and individual tourists, and schedule of the planned tours. Submit written report and photo report. Expected results: The cost of selected tours are optimized for end customers - tourists and tour operators. Involved service providers along selected itineraries improved the quality of services and tourism infrastructure (kitchen, sanitary facilities). Six selected yurt camps and two tent camps have improved kitchen, installed toilets and showers to improve the quality of service and facilities for tourists. Final package of optimized, improved tour products. Analytical report on results of promotion: Google Analytics describing the dynamics of leads from potential target audience. 90% of tourists were satisfied with the quality of service and facilities of yurt camps and provided good positive feedback after the tour. Application Procedure Applicants must send the following documents by email to Beksultan.abdisalamov@helvetas.org and Aselia.bakirova@helvetas.org no later than January 31, 2023 List of application documents Letter of interest describing experience in similar assignments. Action plan, implementation schedule including detailed budget. Copies of official registration of the applicant (patent, certificate of registration). Main requirements for applicants: Active in the tourism sector at least 5 years as a tour company/orgnization Experience in developing and optimization oftour products. Experience in working with international organizations for at least 3 years. Knowledge of languages: Kyrgyz, Russian, knowledge of English is an advantage. Knowledge of the project region is an advantage. Terms of Reference If you have any questions, please contact beksultan.abdisalamov@helvetas.org and tel. +996 (550) 33-92-92
On January 5-6-7, the second winter tourism fair «Karakol Fair 2023» was held in the city of Karakol, which was timed to coincide with the New Year holidays and the peak of the winter tourist season. The place for the fair was not chosen by chance. Karakol is one of the oldest cities in Kyrgyzstan with a rich culture, which has absorbed the traditions of different ethnic groups, is the center of skiing, natural and cultural tourism. The fair presented a rich cultural and entertainment program, a unique exhibition of artisans, educational workshops, ice skating, a rich variety of national dishes and a number of spectacular concert and dance performances. Craftsmen from all over Kyrgyzstan presented their unique works at the fair, artists and museums presented historical and cultural expositions telling about the history of the Kyrgyz people, the development of winter tourism in Karakol, unique photographs of the first travelers were presented. The participants of the festival were pleased with the artists and dance groups, and such famous dishes as Karakol ashlyanfu and Osh pilaf delighted the visitors of the Ethno Vkusno food court. The gastronomic part of the festival included a grand pilaf show, where a delicious dish was prepared from the best rice grown in the Kyrgyz Republic. As part of the presentation and master class, the cultural heritage expert told the story of rice and the characteristics of its individual varieties. Ice skating lovers could spend time with children and friends on the open ice rink. Tourists were also offered historical and cultural tours around the city, which were led by experienced guides with international certification. A special place within the Karakol Fair 2023 was occupied by a photo exhibition organized for the first time from the collection of photographs and diaries of the first travelers of the Tien Shan, which opened new pages in ethnography and anthropology. The exhibition was prepared by the Center for Nomadic Civilization named after Kurmanjan Datka. The fair lasted for three days (January 5-6-7, 2023 from 11.00 to 21.00), and more than 7,000 people took part in it, of which 16% were foreign citizens from abroad. The winter «Karakol Fair 2023» will be remembered by the participants for its diversity, delicious food, sunny weather and bright emotions. This event vividly demonstrated the infinitely diverse winter tourism potential of the city. Thanks to the fair, the townspeople saw the city from a new perspective, and tourists got a great chance to discover winter Karakol and new good reasons to come back here in the future. The organizers of the winter fair «Karakol Fair 2023»: the mayor's office of the city of Karakol and the NGO «Destination Karakol». The event was supported by the Department of Tourism of the Kyrgyz Republic, Helvetas Kyrgyzstan, the Swiss project «Sustainable development of winter tourism in the Kyrgyz Republic», EU SWITCH-Asia Greentour project, the Representative Office of Rossotrudnichestvo in Kyrgyzstan, GIZ Program «Green Economy and Sustainable Development of the Private Sector in the Kyrgyz Republic». The main partner was the «Tourism Development Support Fund of the Kyrgyz Republic».
Youth United for Future project conducted its summary seminar on December 10, 2022, the event being attended by Ulanbek Mambetakunov, the Minister of Education of the Kyrgyz Republic, Almazbek Toktomametov, director of the Republican Institute for Advanced Studies and Retraining of Pedagogical Workers (RIPK), Anja de Beer, director of the Helvetas Kyrgyzstan, and parents, pupils and teachers of schools from Batken, Osh and Jalal-Abad regions. Participants discussed implementation of the project, noting its strengths and weaknesses, difficulties and opportunities for implementation. Ulanbek Mambetakunov noted that the ministry will support further activities within the framework of the project and drew attention to the creativity of the project's staff. “I would very much like the project to spread its activities, its ideas, its philosophy to all regions and schools of Kyrgyzstan,” the minister said. Almaz Toktomametov emphasized the importance of self-knowledge in human development. “The very first step of a person is self-knowledge. This is where it all starts. We have ideas to promote the project methodology throughout Kyrgyzstan,” he added. At the end, participants agreed to continue looking for opportunities for project's long-term implementation. The Youth United for Future (YOU) project aims at giving youth in the South of Kyrgyzstan perspectives and guidance to find their own personal and professional purpose in life. It also capacitates adults in constructive communication and participatory work with youth, and ultimately, it will develop practices to increase peaceful public discourse through exchange on religion and democracy on municipality level, with manifold stakeholders involved.
